Two children were killed and nine others injured, six critically, during a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, a town near Liverpool in northwest England, on Monday.
According to Merseyside Police, a 17-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection with the attack, which also left two adults with critical injuries.
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During a news conference, police chief Serena Kennedy stated that although counter-terror police had offered their support, the attack was not being treated as terror-related and the motivation remained unclear. “All of those injured had been stabbed,” Kennedy confirmed.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the media, expressing his sorrow and outrage over the incident. “The events today are just truly awful; the whole country is deeply shocked. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, families, friends, and wider community. It is almost impossible to imagine the grief,” he said.
The attack took place shortly before midday during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class for young children. Armed officers responded quickly, detaining the suspect and seizing a knife.
Kennedy expressed her deep sympathies for those affected, stating, “As a mum and nana, I can’t begin to imagine the pain and suffering that the families of the victims are going through.”
The North West Ambulance Service reported treating 11 casualties with stab injuries at the scene. The injured were transported by ambulance and helicopter to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and other local hospitals.
Bare Varathan, a local shop owner who witnessed the aftermath, described a harrowing scene to PA. “I saw seven to ten kids who were injured, bleeding,” he said, adding that he could see they had been stabbed.
The suspect remains in custody as police continue their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident occurred in a quiet residential neighborhood, leaving the community in shock. Residents emerging from the police cordon appeared visibly distressed.
An AFP reporter at the scene spoke with a nearby resident, who chose to remain anonymous. “It’s not what you expect to see in Southport,” the resident said, reflecting the sentiment of a community grappling with an unexpected and devastating tragedy.
